Huron Expositor, 2004-06-09, Page 3• •
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Seaforth veteran says he'll never
forget landing in France on D -Day
By Jason Middleton
Expositor Staff
Local D-day veteran
George Miller insists he's not
a hero but ceremonies were
held worldwide to honour
those, dead and alive, who
fought on the beaches of
France's coast on "The
Longest Day," June 6, 1944.
"I don't think I'm a hero.
That was our
job. That's
what you're
trained to do,"
said Miller, of
Seaforth.
Sixty years
ago, Miller
was in the
Royal
Canadian
Armed
Forces. On
June 5, he
along with
other forces
were sent out
on boats into
the rough
water and
headed to the coast of
France.
The water was too rough
that day and the forces turned
back. The next morning the
forces headed out, still on
choppy water.
"It was really rough
coming across (the water) in
the morning. I think
everybody on there was sick.
Most of them and me too,"
said Miller.
He described the boats on
the sea as being wall to wall
boats and ships.
"Everywhere you looked
were boats and ships. Almost
everything that could float
was out there, I think," he
said.
Miller said his group was
not one of the first groups in.
They landed at a place in
France called Lille.
During the fight for the
coast of France, Miller said
he lost a few of his buddies.
"It brings back tears to
your eyes when you think
about it," said Miller.
"It was a day I'll never
forget.. I'll tell you that
much," said Miller.
He said an offer of $1,000
travel bursary from the
federal government for D -
Day vets came
too late. When
Miller heard
of the offer it
was already
too late to get
a passport and
necessary
papers.
"There'd be
a lot of tears
falling I think
if I went, for
sure. In fact
yesterday the
tears were
falling in the
morning
watching
some of that
(on television). It brought a
lot of memories back," said
Miller.
At the Seaforth Legion a
dinner, speaker and wreath
laying ceremony were held to
honour those from this area
who fought that day.
Maj. Frank Golding spoke
to the crowd of the Canadian
contribution to the success of
that day.
"The allies struck a major
blow against Nazi Germany
• as on that day the Germans
were then forced to fight on
three fronts, in France, Italy
and eastern Europe.
The D -Day operation
began early on June 6 with
allied paratroopers, including
450 Canadians, landed
behind the German coastal
defences.
Royal Canadian Air Force
Quoted
'Everywhere
you looked
were boats and
ships. Almost
everything that
could float was
out there, I
think,' --
George Miller
, ' Jason Middleton photo
George Miller, of Seaforth
bombers targeted key
installations prior to the
invasion while Canadian
fighter pilots engaged the
enemy over Normandy.
The Royal Canadian Navy
contributed 109 ships and
10,000 sailors while
Canadian mine sweepers
cleared the way for the
invasion force.
By night the Canadian
troops that had landed on
Juno Beach had secured it
Arena renovations decision
delayed by new Municipal Act
From Page 1
at $25,000 to $30.000 and a new cleaning
machine for the floors at $8.000. The
manager's report also adds the need for 25
new tables in the hall at $5,000.
But, because the new Municipal Act
requires council to advertise any unbudgeted
expenditures after the budget has been set,
Huron East council tabled the motion to
approve the expenditures at the arena until
the next meeting on June 22.
Notice will be posted on the Huron East
website that council is considering amending
the 2004 budget at its June 22 meeting.
The delay caused by the Municipal Act
requirements worried some councillors about
whether or not the Seaforth arena board
would have enough time to order new boards
for the fall sports season.
"We'll have to close the arena if we vote
no," said Maloney, adding that the hoards are
vital to allowing winter sports on the ice.
"I might have to write a cheque because I
told him (arena manager Dale Lamont) to
order the boards," said Mayor Joe Seili..
Both Brussels Coun. Frank Stretton and
McKillop Coun. Sharon McClure questioned
if the new flooring was really necessary
"I don't know why we're replacing the
floor when he (Lamont) said they're not that
needed. The rest I agree with," said
McClure.
Seili warned that council had better decide
where in the budget the money is coming
from since he wants to see a balanced budget
in 2004.
"We set a budget this year and I've spoken
,quite a few times that we're not going over
!that budget. There's only so much money we
.have to spend and we have to spend it
wisely," he said.
McGrath disputed with Brussels Coun.
Alvin McLellan whether or not Seaforth
arena users should be required to fundraise
for the renovations.
"Huron East owns the buildings whether
they're in Seaforth, Brussels or Vanastra.
Why should I sell soup and sandwiches to
put in a furnace at the arena when I don't
have to do that to put in a furnaceat town
hall?" he asked.
McLellan said citizens in Brussels have
always 'worked hard to fundraise for the
arena and he thinks they're being penalized
if the Seaforth citizens don't have to do the
same.
"What to do want, me to say to the people
of Brussels - all you people who bake pies,
stay at home - Huron East is picking up the
tab," he said.
Deputy -Mayor Bernie MacLellan said he
also disagreed with McGrath that the
Seaforth community shouldn't do any
fundraising.
"If the Seaforth arena could come up with
a fundraiser this summer towards the boards,
it would be an offset to what's working in
Brussels already. And, it would give the
people of Seaforth a chance to volunteer
their labour," he said.
But, Seaforth Coun. Joe Steffler asked
why the money couldn't come out of the
reserve funds for Seaforth, McKillop and
Tuckersmith.
"That way, Brussels and Grey won't get
hit at all. What are we saving the reserves
for? A bus trip?" he asked.
"We're talking about paying out a small bit
each to bring the community standards up to
snuff," said Steffler.
MacLellan said he'd vote in favour of the
renovations at the Seaforth arena if the.intent
of council is to calculate the lifespan of the
items bought and begin a reserve fund to
replace them when necessary.
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and moved inland.
"The gains that day came
with a heavy price. Fifteen
thousand Canadian troops
came aboard that day. Of that
number, 340 were killed in
action, 574 were wounded
and 47 were taken prisioner,"
said Golding.
"This evening almost 60
years to the day we gather
together to remember and
honour the D-day force," he
said.
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